Asus Z77 User manual

Motherboard

SABERTOOTH

Z77

ii

E7246

Revised Edition V2

February 2012

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,

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means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written

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Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless

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iii

Contents

Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi

About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii

SABERTOOTH Z77 specications summary ........................................................... ix

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! .................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents

....................................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features

.......................................................................................... 1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights

........................................................................ 1-2

1.3.2 “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions ..........................................

1-3

1.3.3 “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design

.................................................... 1-4

1.3.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel .................................................

1-4

1.3.5 ASUS EZ DIY ..............................................................................

1-5

1.3.6 ASUS Exclusive Features ...........................................................

1-5

1.3.7 Other special features .................................................................

1-6

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................

2-2

2.2.1 Motherboard layout .....................................................................

2-2

2.2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

2-4

2.2.3 System memory ..........................................................................

2-5

2.2.4 Expansion slots .........................................................................

2-12

2.2.5 Jumper ......................................................................................

2-14

2.2.6 Onboard switch .........................................................................

2-15

2.2.7 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................

2-16

2.2.8 Internal connectors

.................................................................... 2-17

2.3 Building your computer system .............................................................

2-26

2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system ............

2-26

2.3.2 CPU installation

......................................................................... 2-27

2.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation .............................

2-29

2.3.4 DIMM installation

....................................................................... 2-30

2.3.5 Motherboard installation ............................................................

2-31

2.3.6 Thermal Armor for ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77 ..........................

2-33

2.3.7

ATX Power connection ..............................................................2-36

2.3.8

SATA device connection ............................................................ 2-37

2.3.9 Front I/O Connector ..................................................................

2-38

2.3.10 Rear panel connection ..............................................................

2-39

2.3.11 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................

2-41

2.3.12 USB BIOS Flashback ................................................................

2-43

iv

Contents

2.4 Starting up for the rst time .................................................................... 2-44

2.5 Turning off the computer .........................................................................

2-44

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................ 3-1

3.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................

3-1

3.2.1 EZ Mode

...................................................................................... 3-2

3.2.2 Advanced Mode ..........................................................................

3-3

3.3 Main menu ..................................................................................................

3-5

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................................

3-7

3.5 Advanced menu .......................................................................................

3-20

3.5.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................

3-21

3.5.2 PCH Conguration ....................................................................

3-23

3.5.3 SATA Conguration ...................................................................

3-24

3.5.4 System Agent Conguration

...................................................... 3-26

3.5.5 USB Conguration ....................................................................

3-27

3.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................

3-28

3.5.7 APM ..........................................................................................

3-30

3.5.8 Network Stack ...........................................................................

3-31

3.6 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................

3-32

3.7 Boot menu ................................................................................................

3-37

3.8 Tool menu .................................................................................................

3-39

3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................

3-39

3.8.2. ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................

3-39

3.8.3. ASUS SPD Information .............................................................

3-40

3.9 Exit menu ..................................................................................................

3-41

3.10 Updating BIOS ..........................................................................................

3-42

3.10.1 ASUS Update utility

................................................................... 3-42

3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility .............................................................

3-45

3.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

................................................. 3-46

3.10.4 ASUS BIOS Updater .................................................................

3-47

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................................. 4-1

4.2 Support DVD information ..........................................................................

4-1

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ...........................................................

4-1

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

.................................................. 4-2

4.3 Software information .................................................................................

4-3

4.3.1 AI Suite II

..................................................................................... 4-3

4.3.2 ASUS TUF Thermal Radar .........................................................

4-4

4.3.3 TurboV EVO ................................................................................

4-9

v

4.3.4 DIGI+ Power Control ................................................................. 4-11

4.3.5 Sensor Recorder .......................................................................

4-15

4.3.6 Ai Charger+ ...............................................................................

4-16

4.3.7 USB Charger+ ...........................................................................

4-17

4.3.8 USB 3.0 Boost

........................................................................... 4-19

4.3.9 Network iControl

........................................................................ 4-20

4.3.10 ASUS Update ............................................................................

4-24

4.3.11 MyLogo2 ...................................................................................

4-25

4.3.12 Audio congurations

.................................................................. 4-27

4.4 RAID congurations ................................................................................

4-28

4.4.1 RAID denitions ........................................................................

4-28

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................

4-29

4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ..................................................

4-29

4.4.4 Intel

®

Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility ................ 4-29

4.4.5 Intel

®

2012 Desktop responsiveness technologies ................... 4-33

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk

..................................................................... 4-45

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ................

4-45

4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

®

.................................. 4-45

4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

®

OS installation ...... 4-46

4.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive ...................................................

4-47

Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support

5.1 AMD

®

CrossFireX™ technology ............................................................... 5-1

5.1.1 Requirements ..............................................................................

5-1

5.1.2 Before you begin .........................................................................

5-1

5.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................

5-2

5.1.4 Installing the device drivers .........................................................

5-3

5.1.5 Enabling the AMD

®

CrossFireX™ technology ............................. 5-3

5.2 NVIDIA

®

SLI™ technology ......................................................................... 5-4

5.2.1 Requirements ..............................................................................

5-4

5.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ......................................

5-4

5.2.3 Installing the device drivers .........................................................

5-5

5.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA

®

SLI™ technology ..................................... 5-5

5.3 LucidLogix Virtu MVP ................................................................................

5-8

5.3.1 Installing LucidLogix Virtu MVP ...................................................

5-8

5.3.2 Setting up your display ................................................................

5-9

5.3.3 Conguring LucidLogix Virtu MVP ............................................

5-10

Appendices

Notices .................................................................................................................... A-1

Contents

vi

Safety information

Electrical safety

• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet

before relocating the system.

• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables

for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,

disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all

power cables are unplugged.

• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices

could interrupt the grounding circuit.

• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not

sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power

company.

• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service

technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals

that came with the package.

• Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power

cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,

slots, sockets and circuitry.

• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area

where it may become wet.

• Place the product on a stable surface.

• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service

technician or your retailer.

vii

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it

supports.

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when

installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and

connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 3: BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.

Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

• Chapter 4: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the

motherboard package and the software.

• Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support

This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple ATI

®

CrossFireX™,

NVIDIA

®

SLI™ graphics cards, and LucidLogix Virtu MVP.

Where to nd more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software

products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,

that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the

standard package.

viii

Conventions used in this guide

To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used

throughout this manual.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italic

s Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means

that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or

Return key.

<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key

names are linked with a plus sign (+).

Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to

complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to

complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

ix

SABERTOOTH Z77 specications summary

(continued on the next page)

CPU LGA 1155 socket for Intel

®

3rd/2nd generation Core™ i7/i5/i3/

Pentium

®

/Celeron

®

Processors

Supports 22/32nm CPU

Supports Intel

®

Turbo Boost Technology 2.0

* The Intel

®

Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the

CPU types

** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list

Chipset Intel

®

Z77 Express Chipset

Memory 4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz,

non-ECC, un-buffered memory

Dual channel memory architecture

Supports Intel

®

Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)

* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics

of the individual CPUs. Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualied

Vendors) list for details.

** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory

QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists)

Expansion Slots 2 x PCI Express 3.0*/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16, dual at x8/x8)

1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot** [black] (Max. at x4 mode,

compatible with PCIe x1 and x4 devices)

3 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots

* PCIe 3.0 speed is supported by Intel

®

3rd generation Core™

processors.

** The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe 2.0 x1_1

slot, PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot, and PCIe 2.0 x1_3 slot. The PCIe 2.0

x16 slot default setting is in x1 mode.

Multi-GPU Support Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel HD Graphics support

Supports NVIDIA

®

Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology

Supports AMD

®

Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

Supports LucidLogix Virtu MVP Technology*

* LucidLogix Virtu MVP supports Windows 7 operating systems.

Storage Intel

®

Z77 Express Chipset

- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports (brown) with RAID 0,1, 5, and 10 support

- 4 x SATA 3Gb/s ports (black) with RAID 0,1, 5, and 10 support

- Supports Intel

®

Smart Response Technology, and Intel

®

Rapid

Start Technology*

2 x ASMedia

®

1061 SATA controllers**

- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports (gray)

- 2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports (red)

* Supports on Intel

®

Core processor family with Windows 7

operating systems.

** These SATA ports are for data hard drivers only. ATAPI devices

are not supported.

LAN Intel

®

82579V Gigabit LAN controller

Audio Realtek

®

ALC892 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

- Absolute Pitch 192khz/24bit True BD Lossless Sound

- BD Audio Layer Content Protection

- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and Front Panel

Jack-Retasking

- Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O

x

(continued on the next page)

SABERTOOTH Z77 specications summary

USB Intel

®

Z77 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost

UASP Mode*

- 4 x USB 3.0 ports (2 ports at mid-board, 2 ports at back panel)

ASMedia

®

1042 USB 3.0 controllers - supports ASUS USB 3.0

Boost UASP Mode

- 2 x USB 3.0 ports at the back panel (blue)

Intel

®

Z77 Express Chipset

- 10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at back

panel)

* USB 3.0 ports only support Windows

®

7 or later versions.

UASP standard only supports Windows

®

OS versions that

are released after Windows

®

7.

Exclusive TUF Features “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions

- TUF Thermal Armor

- TUF Thermal Radar

“TUF ENGINE!” Power Design

- 8+4+2 Digital Phase Power Design

- TUF Components (Choke, Cap. & MOSFET; certied by

military-standard)

- ASUS DIGI+ Power Control Utility

“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel

- Dust Defender

- ESD Guards

- MemOK!

- Anti Surge

Other Special Features USB 3.0 Boost featuring the latest USB 3.0 UASP standard

USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard for EZ

BIOS download scheduling

USB Charger+ featuring quick-charging function for all devices

Network iControl featuring instant network bandwidth domination

for top network program in use

LucidLogix Virtu MVP

ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user

interface

AI Suite II

ASUS Q-Connector

ASUS Q-Shield

ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)

ASUS Q-Slot

ASUS Q-DIMM

ASUS O.C. Prole

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS MyLogo 2™

Multi-language BIOS

xi

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

SABERTOOTH Z77 specications summary

Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x DisplayPort

1 x HDMI port

1 x Optical S/PDIF Output

1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button

2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports

1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback)

4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

8-channel Audio I/O ports

Internal I/O Connectors 1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0/2.0

ports (19-pin; moss green)

3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1

ports

4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (2 x brown; 2 x gray)

4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (black)

1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin black)

1 x CPU OPT fan connector (4-pin black)

4 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin black)

2 x Assistant Fan connectors (3-pin white)

1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)

1 x S/PDIF Out header

1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector

1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)

1 x MemOK! button

1 x Clear CMOS jumper

BIOS Features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,

SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS,

ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, F12 PrintScreen

Function, F3 Shortcut Function, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial

Presence Detect) memory information

Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE

Support DVD Drivers

ASUS Utilities

ASUS Update

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

xii

ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77

1-1

Chapter 1

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS

®

SABERTOOTH Z77 motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another

standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in

your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may

vary with different models.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1

User Manual

ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77

motherboard

User guide Support DVD

2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables

1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge

connector

1 x ASUS Q-Shield 2 x Accessory Fans 1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit

3 x PCIe x16 Slot dust covers 3 x PCIe x1 Slot dust covers 2 x DRAM slot dust covers

3

M

2 x short fan screws 4 x long fan screws

1 x Adhesive sponge for 35mm

fan

Five-year warranty

1 x TUF Five-year warranty

manual (by region)

1 x TUF Certication card 40mm I/O Cover fan lid

1-2

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

LGA1155 socket for Intel

®

3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 /

Core™ i3 / Pentium

®

/ Celeron

®

Processors

This motherboard supports the Intel

®

3rd/2nd generation Core™ i7/i5/i3/Pentium

®

/Celeron

®

processors in the LGA1155 package, with iGPU, memory, and PCI Express controllers

integrated to support onboard graphics out with dedicated chipsets, 2-channel (4 DIMMs)

DDR3 memory, and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes. This provides great graphics performance.

Intel

®

3rd/2nd generation Core™ i7/i5/i3/Pentium

®

/Celeron

®

processors are among the most

powerful and energy efcient CPUs in the world.

Intel

®

Z77 Express Chipset

The Intel

®

Z77 Express Chipset is a single-chipset designed to support the 1155 socket Intel

®

3rd/2nd generation Core™ i7/i5/ i3/Pentium

®

/Celeron

®

processors. It provides improved

performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability.

Additionally, Z77 chipset provides 4 USB 3.0 ports for 10 times faster data retrieval speed.

Moreover, Intel

®

Z77 Express Chipset can also enable iGPU function, letting users enjoy the

latest Intel

®

integrated graphic performance.

PCI Express

®

3.0

PCI Express

®

3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the latest PCI Express bus standard with improved encoding

schemes that provide twice the performance of the current PCIe 2.0. The total bandwidth

for a x16 link reaches a maximum of 32Gb/s, double the 16Gb/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode).

As such, PCIe 3.0 provides users an unprecedented data speeds, combined with the

convenience and seamless transition offered by complete backward compatibility with PCIe

1.0 and PCIe 2.0 devices. PCIe 3.0 will become a must-have feature for users who wish to

improve and optimize graphic performance, as well as have the latest technology available to

them.

* PCI 3.0 speed is supported by Intel

®

3rd generation Core™ processors.

Dual-Channel 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz Support

The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of DDR3

1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest

3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture

enlarges the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.

Quad-GPU SLI™ and Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Support

Flexible Multi-GPU Solutions, Your Weapon of Choice!

SABERTOOTH Z77 brings you the multi-GPU choice of either SLI™ or CrossFireX. The

motherboard features the most powerful Intel

®

Z77 platform to optimize PCIe allocation in

multiple GPU congurations. Expect a brand-new gaming style you’ve never experienced

before!

ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77

1-3

Chapter 1

Intel

®

Smart Response Technology

SSD Speed with HDD Capacity

Intel

®

Smart Response Technology boosts overall system performance. It uses an installed

fast SSD (min 18.6GB available capacity required) as a cache for frequently accessed data.

Key benets include reduced load and wait times, and lower power consumption through the

elimination of unnecessary hard drive spin. This technology combines SSD performance with

hard drive capacity, operating up to 4X faster than a hard drive-only system, and an important

part of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing.

* Intel

®

Smart Response Technology is supported by 2nd/3rd generation Intel

®

Core™ processor

family on Windows

®

7™ operating systems.

** Operating systems must be installed on the HDD to launch Intel

®

Smart Response Technology.

The capacity of the SSD is reserved for caching function.

Intel

®

Smart Connect Technology

Your computer could receive web updates with fresh content for selected applications even

when setting the system to sleep. This means less time waiting for applications to start,

update and sync with the Cloud, providing a more efcient way.

Intel

®

Rapid Start Technology

Allows your computer to quickly resume from a low-power hibernate state in seconds. Saving

system memory to the designed SSD provides your computer a faster wake-up response

time, while keeping the energy use low.

Complete USB 3.0 Integration

Double USB Access, Double Convenience

ASUS facilitates the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel with 6

USB 3.0 ports in total. Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times

faster than USB 2.0. The SABERTOOTH Z77 affords greater convenience to high speed

connectivity.

Extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s Support

Extra Ports, Extra Speed and Accessibility

The Intel

®

Z77 Express Chipset natively supports the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA)

interface, delivering up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer. ASUS provides extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports

with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus

systems.

1.3.2 “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solutions

TUF Thermal Armor

New generation Thermal Armor boosts cooling with dual turbo fans, enhancing the original

TUF thermal design, and helping direct hot air away from components and the motherboard

via smart shunt funneling. It covers the entire board with more powerful airow, and uses

special heat pipes to expedite thermal removal, and make sure temperatures stay low. The

dedicated I/O cover fan draws additional cold air in, and expels even more heat for improved

stability, plus new Thermal Armor comes with special convection holes in the PCB to facilitate

underside ow. It now sports a military-themed style, perfect for case modders.

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Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

TUF Thermal Radar

The TUF Thermal Radar monitors temperatures in critical parts of the motherboard in real

time, automatically adjusting fan speeds to make sure the system maintains high stability.

It consists of multiple sensors, giving users the ability to track each individually. Automatic

calculation of ideal fan speeds based on different parameters selected manually for

components has everything cooler and longer-lasting. New Fan Overtime keeps the two

turbo fans running a few minutes post shutdown on standby power to remove the remaining

heat. Stopping high temperatures from lingering in the case where they can cause damage,

it extends system longevity, dropping the heat by as much as 7

o

C in just ten minutes. To

prolong fan lifespan, reduce noise, and lower power consumption, the new Fan Off has been

added, automatically shutting off fans under either preset or manually-selected temperature

thresholds.

1.3.3 “TUF ENGINE!” Power Design

New DIGI+ Power Control

New DIGI+ Power Control includes multiple digital voltage controllers, allowing extra precise

modulation and tuning of CPU, iGPU, and DRAM. This innovative and industry-leading ASUS

technology provides an extremely accurate voltage tuning for better efciency, stability, and

performance. With the next generation Intel VRD 12.5 future power design, CPU wattage can

be decreased by half, creating a cooler and quieter PC. This innovation of industry-leading

ASUS technology provides the smartest control for better power saving scenarios.

TUF Components (Choke, Cap. & MOSFET; certied by military-

standard)

Get rugged performance even in the most challenging conditions with robust TUF chokes,

solid capacitors, and MOSFETs – certied through third-party, military-grade testing. TUF

Chokes, also known as the “Alloy Choke”, is made of a compound of various types of

metal instead standard iron, enables the support of up to a massive 40A of rated current,

25% higher than conventional component. Furthermore, the single piece packaging also

eliminates the emission of vibration noise, delivering superb characteristics as well as

durability under extreme conditions.

1.3.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel

Dust Defender

Dust particles and environmental contamination present a constant hazard to the optimal

functioning of slots and connectors. Build up on contact points within slots compromises

data transfer over time, negating the benets of expensive and critical components such

as graphics cards. Custom TUF design keeps this in mind with special shields that resist

particulate entry, effectively extending slot and connector lifespan while promoting better

performance.

MemOK!

MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable memory rescue tool

requires a mere push of a button to patch memory issues. MemOK! determines fail-safe

settings and dramatically improves your system boot success.

ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77

1-5

Chapter 1

ESD Guards

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Guards provides protection against electrostatic discharges,

which can damage the motherboard’s components. The ASUS exclusive Anti-Static chip

and circuit design, and the I/O shield provide four times better protection and ensure the

motherboard’s lifespan.

1.3.5 ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)

ASUS UEFI BIOS is a mouse-controlled user-friendly graphics interface that allows you

to easily select performance settings, and drag and drop boot priorities with its EZ Mode

interface. Its Advanced Mode interface allows you to congure more advanced BIOS settings.

ASUS Q-Design

DIY Quickly, DIY Easily!

ASUS Q-Slot and Q-DIMM design speed up, simplify, and enhances your DIY (Do-It-Yourself)

experience.

ASUS Q-Shield

Easy and Comfortable Installations

The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual "ngers" - making it

convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your

motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference

(EMI).

ASUS Q-Connector

Make Connection Quick and Accurate!

The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables

in one easy step with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of

plugging in one cable at a time, making the connection quick and accurate.

ASUS EZ-Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using a

bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.

1.3.6 ASUS Exclusive Features

USB 3.0 Boost

ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) and

automatically increases a USB 3.0 device’s transfer speed up to 170%.

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Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

USB Charger+

With a dedicated onboard controller, quick-charge your USB devices such iProducts,

smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices 50% faster, even when the PC is powered

off, in sleep, or hibernation.

* USB Charger+ only applies to the bottom port of USB3_12.

USB BIOS Flashback

With USB BIOS Flashback, simply connect a USB ash drive containing the UEFI BIOS le

to the USB 3.0 port, press the BIOS Flashback button for three seconds, and the BIOS is

updated automatically. With its Windows-compatible application, you can regularly check for

UEFI BIOS updates and download the latest UEFI BIOS automatically.

* USB BIOS Flashback only applies to the bottom port of USB3_12.

Network iControl

ASUS Network iControl is an intuitive one-stop network control center that makes it easier

for you to manage your network bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor, and schedule the

bandwidth priorities for your network programs. It also allows you to automatically connect to

a PPPoE network for a more convenient online experience.

1.3.7 Other special features

LucidLogix Virtu MVP

LucidLogix Virtu MVP featuring HyperFormance™ Technology boosts your PCIe graphics

card up to 30% beyond its original performance. Designed for Intel

®

processor graphics and

Windows

®

7 PCs, it perfectly combines the performance of discrete graphic cards with fast

computing iGPU. Also, with newly designed Virtual Sync, users can enjoy a smoother gaming

experience by eliminating tearing artifacts. LucidLogix Virtu MVP can also dynamically

assigns tasks to the best available graphics resource, based on power, performance, and

system load. This allows users to fully utilize 3x faster video conversion with Intel

®

Quick

Sync Video technology while retaining high-end 3D rendering and gaming performance,

provided by both NVIDIA and AMD graphic cards. When the PCIe graphic cards are not

required, the graphics control switches to the Intel

®

processor graphics, reducing the PCIe

graphics power use down to zero, making the system more environment-friendly. For users

searching for perfection, LucidLogix Virtu MVP provides great graphical performance, and

best quality and efciency.

* LucidLogix Virtu MVP supports Windows

®

operating system.

** Intel

®

Quick Sync Video feature is supported by 3rd/2nd generation Intel

®

Core™ processor

family

ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77

1-7

Chapter 1

DisplayPort 1.1a Support

DisplayPort is a digital display interface standard that delivers up to 10.8 Gbps of bandwidth

over standard cables, providing billions of colors and bidirectional communications, thus

enabling the fastest refresh rates, and the highest resolution digital display through a single

cable. Also, it supports HDCP copy protection for Blu-ray discs. Simply output 3D signals

through the connected DisplayPort 1.1a cable with your 3D display, then you can sit back and

enjoy a perfect 3D animation experience.

HDMI 1.4a Support

High Denition Multimedia Surface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers

multi-channel audio and uncompressed digital video for full HD 1080p visuals through a

single cable. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and blu-ray discs, HDMI

provides you with the highest quality home theater experience.

ErP Ready

The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires

products to meet certain energy efciency requirement in regards to energy consumption.

This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efcient products

through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus

mitigate environmental impacts.

1-8

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

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